13. The slave-drivers kept trying to force them to make the same number of bricks every day as they had made when they were given straw.
14. The Egyptian slave-drivers beat the Israelite foremen, whom they had put in charge of the work. They demanded, “Why aren't you people making the same number of bricks as you made before?”
15. Then the foremen went to the king and complained, “Why do you do this to us, Your Majesty?
16. We are given no straw, but we are still ordered to make bricks! And now we are being beaten. It is your people that are at fault.”
17. The king answered, “You are lazy and don't want to work, and that is why you ask me to let you go and offer sacrifices to the Lord.
18. Now get back to work! You will not be given any straw, but you must still make the same number of bricks.”
19. The foremen realized that they were in trouble when they were told that they had to make the same number of bricks every day as they had made before.
20. As they were leaving, they met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them.